Island Bio: Food for Good

Based in Baie du Tombeau on the north-west of Mauritius, Island Bio is an organic farm that grows fruit, veg and medicinal herbs in tune with the land. The community provides employment for people who have found themselves without a home, ex-convicts and those recovering from addiction, offering hope, empowerment and a lot of love through permaculture and growing skills. Founders Oliver Fanfan and Yannick François, himself a former inmate, set up the farm because they were concerned about the connection between food and the island’s higher than average cancer rates and frustrated that pesticide-free, healthy produce was totally unaffordable for most Mauritians. They believe that swapping out chemicals for care makes for a better taste experience, as well as preserving Mauritius’ precious ecology. Oliver and Yannick invited us into the Island Bio community to follow the journey of their produce before it hits the plate at SALT of Palmar.